By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, April 10: Renovation and upgrading works to transform Kuching’s historic Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN) building into the State’s first world-class performing arts centre are now about 10 per cent complete, with the project expected to be finished by the end of 2026.
Overseen by the Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts (MTCP), the ambitious initiative will breathe new life into the iconic building along Astana Road, turning it into a premier venue for performances and cultural events.
Minister Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah shared the progress of the project, expressing optimism about its timely completion.
“The performing art centre’s renovation and upgrading is progressing well and expected to be completed by the end of 2026.
“Presently its about 10 per cent completed,” he told DayakDaily.
Work officially commenced on May 16, 2024, with completion targeted for November 15, 2026.
Once finished, the building will be handed over to the Sarawak Arts Council (MSS), marking another iconic addition to Kuching’s cityscape aimed at drawing both local and international performing arts enthusiasts.
The transformation is part of a larger project that includes the adjacent Lapau Building, with Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg previously announcing that the combined cost will exceed RM200 million—RM60 million of which is dedicated solely to landscaping around the boulevard.
Inspired by London’s famed Royal Albert Hall and built to meet standards comparable to top venues in the United States, the centre will boast an impressive range of facilities: a two-level theatre hall, black box, art gallery, multipurpose hall, dance studio, theatre studio, music recording studio, function hall, office spaces, a resource centre, and a walkthrough connecting to the Lapau Building.
Outside, a grand boulevard will be adorned with captivating landscapes, while the Lapau Building itself will be renovated into a banquet venue for visitors.
Project management and implementation fall under the Sarawak Public Works Department (JKR), with Arkitek Visireka Sdn Bhd as the appointed architect. Various consultants are handling the structural, mechanical, and electrical aspects, while the main contractor is Performing Arts Centre Consortium Sdn Bhd.
A recent site visit revealed that the entire project area is fully enclosed with zinc hoardings, obscuring views of the construction at ground level.
However, the skeletal frame of the towering structure is clearly visible, its glass windows removed, as construction machinery operates on the upper levels.
Interestingly, the existing landscaped garden in front of the building remains largely intact, offering a serene contrast to the active construction site.
Despite signs of neglect—including broken cement flooring and stagnant water in the rectangular reflecting pools—the garden retains much of its visual charm, providing a glimpse of the beauty that awaits once the project is complete.
Once operational, the Sarawak Performing Arts Centre is poised to become a dedicated space for showcasing diverse artistic talents, enriching Sarawak’s cultural landscape and elevating its status on the global arts scene. – DayakDaily
